ChampionChip Technology
The development of the ChampionChip technology
started in 1993, initiated by the organization
of the Seven Hill Run in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
It was officially introduced at the Berlin
Marathon in September 1994. Presently the
ChampionChip technology is used in the big
city marathons, Ironman triathlons plus thousands
of other events around the world, with proven
superior performance.The
basis for the ChampionChip technology is the
radio-frequency-identification system (RFID)
from Texas Instruments, which is also used
for security-locks in cars and admission control
in buildings.The
success of the ChampionChip technology is
achieved through the combination of synchronized
multiple antennas, high-tech analog and digital
electronics, and dedicated software for live
bulk data handling.The
ChampionChip
ChampionChip is a miniature transponder in
a specially designed plastic housing. This
device contains a chip in combination with
an energizing coil. These elements are encased
in a waterproof glass capsule, meaning the
ChampionChip can be used under all conditions
(wet, dry, cold and hot).The
ChampionChip can be worn in different ways.
For running races, the ChampionChip is usually
attached to the runner's shoelace. In triathlons
it is attached to an ankle bracelet.There
are no batteries in the ChampionChip. The
transponder is passive until moved into a
magnetic field, generated by a send antenna.
Here the energizing coil produces an electric
current to power the chip. The transponder
then transmits its unique identification number
to a receive antenna. The whole procedure
takes approximately 60 milliseconds and is
repeated continuously.

Your chip is supplied to you for the event
in your race packet - which you pick up at
the registration tent - with your bib number,
etc. Chips
must be returned at the completion of the
event. Our staff and volunteers will be in
the finish chute collecting chips from the
athletes as they finish.You
must return your chip when you finish. Participants
who do not return the chip will be assessed
a $150 TTD fee. If you accidentally leave with
your chip, or pick up your packet and not
attend the event, please return the chip in
a packaged envelope to:

Chips will be attached to a velcro bracelet
which you would place on your ankle. Bear
in mind: no chip, no time. Only athletes wearing
a ChampionChip will be timed. The reading
distance of the ChampionChip System is limited.
The antennas are embedded in the red mats
on the road. Therefore the chips should be
located as close to the mats as possible -
on the ankle of the participant.It
is also important to have the long end of
the chip pointing toward your toe.

The send and receive antennas are cast in
thin tartan mats. These antenna mats are placed
at the finish line and other timing locations.
They are connected to a Yellow Box at the
side of the road, containing electronics and
batteries. Each time an athlete wearing a
ChampionChip crosses the mats, the chip gets
energized and sends out its ID-number. This
number and corresponding time are then stored
in the Yellow Box and transferred to a timing
computer for further processing.All
runners must ensure they run across the orange
mats at the beginning of the race. Also at
the end of the run - no matter how tired you
are - CONTINUE TO RUN ACROSS ALL MATS.

Gun Time: The time from the sound of the starter's
signal to the time when the runner crosses
the finish line. Also know as the Official
Time.Real
Time, Chip Time: The time from when the runner
crosses the starting mats at the start line,
to the time when the runner crosses the finishing
mats. For personal interest only.

Gun Time is the official time.
All awards are based on GUN TIME — the
time from the start of the race (gun) to when
you cross the finish line as per IAAF, Athletics
Canada, BC Athletics, USATF, AIMS and International
Awards standards.Excerpt
from the IAAF Road Race Handbook — Pg
196 RULE 240
Note: For road races and road walking events,
the official time will be the time elapsed
between the start gun and the athlete reaching
the finish line. However, if an athlete crosses
the start line after the start gun, his time
elapsed between the start and finish line
can be made known to the athlete but will
not be considered as official time. The order
in which athletes reach the finish line will
be considered as the official finish position.
196 RULE 240The
Chip timing is provided for personal interest.